Synopsis
Mimicry can often fool the auditory sense but seldom the visual. If an alien invader was in a position to change his atomic structure at will and pose as human Earth would stand small hopes of Identifying the mimic. Given time, however, some kind of test would undoubtedly be set up.
History
First publication: New Worlds #31, January 1955
Review
A very good short story of the typical 1950s twist-style story. You are taken gradually through a number of reveals as the story progresses to its conclusion, with Aldiss giving just enough of the situation to take each step. Recommended.
Videos
We have the story in these editions:
Man in His Time, hardcover, Atheneum, 1989-09-00
The Complete Short Stories: The 1950s, trade paperback, HarperCollins, the Friday Project, 2013-10-10
Who Can Replace A Man?, hardcover, Harcourt, Brace & World, 1966-00-00
